Downtown Newport News Distillery Starts Making Bourbon

Ionclad Distillery has started producing small-batch bourbon whiskey in a new venture downtown that has picked up attention at the state level.

“This is a classic example of agriculture, entrepreneurialism, manufacturing, tourism and community revitalization coming together,” Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore said Wednesday at the distillery.

The startup craft distillery at 124 23rd St. has already spent about $100,000 and expects investment could reach around $250,000 as it expands production with eight employees over the next three years, said Ironclad President Stephen King. King owns the property, where he runs a Paul Davis Restoration franchise, and partnered with son Owen in the venture with help from other family members.

Additionally, Ironclad is buying its corn, wheat and rye from David Hula and his family at Renwood Farms in Charles City, King said. As such, Haymore revealed that the microdistillery would receive a $12,000 grant from the…